Mid-Derbyshire’s MP has welcomed the news that work on the electrification of the Midland Mainline is to resume.

However, the line to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham will not be upgraded until 2023 - four years later than hoped.

Proposals to upgrade the route had been put on hold by the Government after Network Rail admitted it had been ‘overly optimistic’ about completing the five-year rail improvement plan on time.

The news sparked campaigns across the country and condemnation from politicians.

Network Rail and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin yesterday (Wednesday) announced the resumption of the project.

Pauline Latham OBE, MP for Mid-Derbyshire, said: “This is fantastic news that will make a huge difference for constituents of Mid-Derbyshire and everyone else who uses East Midlands Trains.

“This announcement not only creates certainty for the rail industry, but also the supply chain and secures jobs in and around Derby.”

The announcement from the Department for Transport, following plans put forward by the Hendy Review for Midland Mainline, will see ongoing work to line speed and capacity improvement combined with the electrification of the Midland Mainline from London to Corby, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.

The project, once complete, will allow cleaner, quieter, faster and more reliable trains with greater capacity to operate on the line.